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Taking Great Care of Your Dog’s Coat

Taking Great Care of Your Dog’s Coat

September 1, 2018

Our feline friends are very good at keeping themselves clean—your canine companion isn’t quite as skilled! If you own a dog, it’s important to do your part to keep Fido’s coat healthy and clean. Here are a few quick tips from your Teller County, CO veterinarian:

High-Quality Diet

Your dog’s coat quality starts with what he eats. When your pooch receives a high-quality diet packed with the proper nutrients, given in the proper serving size, the skin as well as the entire coat of fur stays healthy. Consult your veterinarian for a recommendation on a great diet choice that suits your dog’s age, size, and breed.

Regular Brushing

Brush your dog on a regular basis; it’s one of the best things you can do to benefit your companion’s skin and fur health! Running a brush through Fido’s fur does many things: it removes loose and dead fur from the coat, ultimately cutting down on the amount of fur that falls around your home; it gets rid of grime hiding beneath the fur; and it helps to spread natural skin oils through the coat, moisturizing it and cutting down on shedding in the long run.

Occasional Bathing

Giving your dog an occasional bath is another good way to keep your dog’s coat in peak condition. Always be sure to use a canine-formulated shampoo, as well as conditioners and other hair-care products made specifically for dogs. Shampoos made for other animals or humans may irritate your dog’s skin.

Be careful not to bathe your dog too often, as over-bathing can actually dry out the skin and lead to irritation and increased shedding. For most dogs, a bath every few months will do just fine—ask your veterinarian for specifics on your dog’s bathing routine.

Parasite Control Products

One of the fastest ways for your dog’s coat quality to go downhill is because of a parasitic infestation, especially a flea infestation. Don’t let your dog fall victim to fleas—keep your dog on a high-quality flea-and-tick preventative to avoid problems. Ask your veterinarian about getting your dog set up with such preventative medications if they’re not already on them.

Do you want to know more about your dog’s grooming needs? Does your dog need pest control medicines or a new diet? We’re here to help with all of your pet-care needs! Schedule an appointment with your Teller County, CO animal hospital today.